We knew there were some linguistic differences between New York and Los Angeles. They say “freeway,” we say “highway.” They wait “in line.” We wait “on line.” They say “cuz,” we say “son.” But until today, we had no idea that on the West Coast, “coffee” meant something entirely different than it means here. From this morning’s “PageSix”:
Turning down Owen Wilson for a date was bad for the career of a waitress at Café Habana, she claims. Monica Mateo is suing the ecofriendly Nolita eatery, claiming her hours were slashed after she rejected an offer by the “Butterscotch Stallion” to take her out for coffee, the Post’s Bruce Golding reports. Mateo claims in a Manhattan federal-court filing that restaurant manager Leslie Meenan went ballistic after learning of the snub, saying: “You know what coffee means in Hollywood, right? … Don’t screw this up.”
Emphasis ours, because wait, what? What does coffee mean in Hollywood?!?! Here in New York, coffee is a drink we use to stay awake. A coffee date is least possibly significant social interaction you can have with someone. As far as power meals go, it’s not even on the spectrum. It’s something you do with your teenage cousins or your ex-boyfriend who’s been in AA or someone you met on Craigslist who you want to make sure is not a killer. So, because we are culturally curious, we polled a few Hollywood residents to see what it meant when a man asked them to “coffee” in theircity.
Emphasis ours, because wait, what? What does coffee mean in Hollywood?!?! Here in New York, coffee is a drink we use to stay awake. A coffee date is least possibly significant social interaction you can have with someone. As far as power meals go, it’s not even on the spectrum. It’s something you do with your teenage cousins or your ex-boyfriend who’s been in AA or someone you met on Craigslist who you want to make sure is not a killer. So, because we are culturally curious, we polled a few Hollywood residents to see what it meant when a man asked them to “coffee” in theircity.
“In Hollywood, going to coffee has absolutely nothing to do with coffee whatsoever,” said Tonya, an actress. “In L.A., 95 percent of people are ‘offcoffee.’”
Going to coffee, therefore, is a euphemism for something else. But what? “It might mean he’s emotionally ready to take a pass at your script and potentially pass it to the creative at his company,” our friend Abigail, Intel Jessica’s v best friend and an actress you can see in this clip of Community told us. “Inbed.”
Lauren, another actress, spelled it out: “Coffee is sex,” she said “As is a hike or a lunch or any one-on-one activity with a sought-after male celeb. I waitressed and bartended in L.A.for many years and was hit on by a plethora of celebrities. I heard everything from ‘Can I take you to the beach?’ from a famous musician to ‘There are 36 chapters of the Kama Sutra, and we’ve already reached 9,’ from a famous actor (as I handed him the lunch bill). Any date proposal, even ‘coffee,’ means they want to have sex withyou.”
As it turns out, there are further regional variations. “In West Hollywood, coffee means anal,” Abigailsaid.
Nancy Balbirer, the author of Take Your Shirt Off and Cry, a memoir of living in Hollywood, declined to detail what “getting coffee” meant, saying that it was too dirty. But, she said of the “Page Six” item: “The good news is, we now know what ‘restaurant manager’ means in New York. At least a pimp in Hollywood will buy youshoes.”
Eatery sued over Owen Wilson snub [PageSix/NYP]
Tags:
Show Leave a Comment
As an enthusiast with a deep understanding of cultural nuances and linguistic variations, let's delve into the concepts used in the article you provided, which touches upon anthropology, cultural differences, and the subtleties of language. My expertise in anthropology allows me to analyze and interpret the cultural dynamics highlighted in the piece.
-
Anthropology: The article implicitly delves into anthropological concepts by exploring the cultural differences between New York and Los Angeles. Anthropology, the study of human societies and cultures, encompasses linguistic, social, and behavioral aspects, all of which are evident in the contrasting interpretations of a seemingly simple word like "coffee."
-
Cultural Linguistics: The linguistic variations observed between New York and Los Angeles residents reflect cultural distinctions. Words like "freeway" versus "highway" and differences in queuing habits illustrate how language is a key component of culture. The article emphasizes the importance of understanding the cultural context in which words are used.
-
Social Interactions and Power Dynamics: The narrative touches upon power dynamics and social interactions, showcasing how a seemingly casual invitation for coffee in Hollywood carries a different connotation compared to New York. This brings forth anthropological considerations of social rituals and their varying meanings in different cultural contexts.
-
Sexual Euphemisms: The article introduces the idea that in Hollywood, the invitation for "coffee" might be a euphemism for a sexual encounter. This cultural interpretation adds a layer of complexity to social dynamics and relationships, connecting anthropology with the study of human behavior and societal norms.
-
Regional Variations: Regional variations in the meanings assigned to everyday activities, such as going for coffee, highlight the diversity within a culture. The statement that "In West Hollywood, coffee means anal" underscores how meanings can shift even within a city, reflecting localized subcultures.
-
Celebrity Culture: The article indirectly touches upon the celebrity culture in Los Angeles, portraying how interactions with celebrities are perceived and navigated. It provides insights into the dynamics between individuals and famous figures, shedding light on the unique social landscape of Hollywood.
In conclusion, this article serves as a fascinating exploration of cultural anthropology, linguistic nuances, and the intricate web of social dynamics in different regions. The interpretation of a simple word like "coffee" unveils layers of meaning, reflecting the richness and complexity of human cultures.
